I can't believe that we're halfway through our third week already in what has been a truly fabulous and positive experience alround.
Last weekend was probably my best time for socialising during which I actually found the Anglican Church (don´t die of shock folks LOL)! The whole congregation were so welcoming and friendly and I even learned some of the liturgy in Spanish. A taste of things to come perhaps? We even had sandwiches and cake with tea or coffee after the service which was a lovely, if unexpected surprise!The rest of Sunday was spent finally looking around the beautiful city centre of Valencia with all it´s grand historic buildings, lovely cafe´s´ restaurants and of course the botanical gardens where Hazel, Laura and me were entertained briefly by a young male student practising his saxophone! A lovely moment. The group tapas meal which Alice had arranged for us proved to be the best meal I've had here so far probably because I was able to have some fish which I love. This came in the form of garlic prawns, cod croquets and pilchards on a bread base with salad all washed down with the largest glass of San Miguel I´ve ever seen! After a brief foray to the English Speaking gathering which was fun, I made a mad dash to the metro station to catch the last train back to Masies. On the Saturday morning I´d played the role of interlocutor with a B2 intensive group preparing for speaking exams and taught a session on prefixes and suffixes with a B1 intensive groupwhich I wasn´t expecting but went well nevertheless. Maybe I don´t need planning time LOL!!! I wish!! My best lessons do seem to go well when I haven´t had much time to prepare and over think them and therefore I can improvise more as I love to do! After a late breakfast at the wondeful Bar Valencia,I went home and took Laura´s beautiful golden retriever Thor for a long walk in the 18 degree sunshine before spending an hour relaxing and swimming in her pool in Thor´s wonderfully playful company! LUSH!!
As for the teaching, a critical overview might look like this. Some good lessons with A2, B1 and B2 classes full of interactive activities and games during which I have built a great rapport with my students. Timing has been an issue on occasion but feedback from my first assessed lesson was really positive and encouraging so feeling good about my progress. I might become an EFL teacher yet LOL! Some students have even asked for additional help with preparation for their speaking exams which is nice. The CEFIRE sessions just keep getting better and as far as I´m concerned, I am learning so much from the Spanish teachers as we seek to help develop their proficiency in English. This week each of the native Erasmusers are supervising a small group of teachers who have been given a topic and age group for which they have to plan some activities and other ideas for how to present this. Each group will present to the whole CEFIRE group at the penultimate session next week. This has been a brilliant experience but leaves me feeling like I need to take an ICT as well as a Spanish course when I return to the UK!!
I know I´m nowhere near the finished article and still have much to improve on but thus far I have shown myself more than competent which together with my desire to empower these wonderful students with the English language skills they need to have the chance of the life they wish for themselves is a pretty good foundation to build on I think. My heartfelt thanks to all at UKLC, Laura, Oana and all my fellow Erasmusers for their kindness, support and this golden opportunity, and especially to Jemima, the best house mate ever!
Until next time, keep living and enjoying the dream everyone. I have a speaking exam practice lesson shortly then planning a permanent move to Spain!! Adios amigos and amigas!
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